Software Architect's Handbook

Uses of software architecture documentation

Some software projects skip software architecture documentation altogether or do it merely as an afterthought. Some of the projects that complete architecture documentation only do so because it is required. For example, it may be required by an organization's process or there may be a contractual obligation to provide it to a client.

However, good software architects understand the value of documenting their software architecture. Good documentation serves to communicate the architecture to others, assist the development team, educate team members, facilitate architecture reviews, allow for the reuse of architectural knowledge, and help the software architect.